Archive Gallery: The History of the Flying Car

Surprised they didn't mention Terrafugia, though it's more like a plane you can fit in your garage:

http://www.terrafugia.com/

That flying jeep looks extremely cool,but I would not want to eat all the dust!

@elmc0319
Once again we see some stupid business trying to sell their stuff on this website again *facepalm*

But, jeez, that airgeep was even better than the best thing since sliced bread! It worked perfectly and the army shrugged it off as unsuitable for the battlefield!

Mad Rocket Scientist

The earlier edition of the flying jeep called the 'Fleep' was a motorized 'sled' with 'Ultralight' wings. It could take off in about 15 feet and could land in about thirty. It was developed by Ryan Aeronautical in San Diego for the US Army. They were used for wounded evacuation and light cargo delivery.

The Ultralight wings could be easily 'retracted' (folded) for use as a ground transport vehicle. On at least one model, the engine operated a propeller for flight and drove a 'drive wheel' while on the ground. (no minced pedestrians).

They were working on a 'test model' where a military style jeep would 'dock' with the wing unit. The jeep would be securely attached and rollers under the jeeps drive-wheels would transfer the jeeps power to the propeller. Drive up to your wings, 'dock' and fly away.

They were far cheaper to build and operate than a helicopter, but they didn't have the lift capacity of a 'chopper'. They went out of production in the late 1960's but a number were sold to the government of Lesotho (in South Africa) for medical supply and evacuation in mountainous terrain.

Maybe they promised flying cars in 20 years, but obviously not in a row!